Engineering - Level 3 Apprenticeship

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2026
End date: 15th June 2028

Attendance at an information session is required.

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

This course comprises a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, alongside both NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 Engineering qualifications. It is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, understanding, behaviours, and practical skills required for success in a range of mechanical and electrical maintenance roles, with additional units aligned to recognised engineering sector requirements.

The programme is delivered through the ApprenticeshipNI route, combining college-based learning with structured, work-based training. This model enables apprentices to develop their technical competence in a real industrial environment while working towards nationally recognised qualifications.

You will study a range of engineering-based subjects aimed at providing a broad understanding of both mechanical and electrical engineering. Subjects such as CAD, secondary machining, robotics, electrical circuits, and microprocessors are underpinned by the theoretical principles of mechanical and electrical engineering and mathematics. Every effort is made to ensure a strong balance between practical and theoretical study; however, the topics described may be subject to change.

Special Features

In Year 1, you will complete a Level 2 NVQ and Year 1 of the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering.

In Year 2, you will complete a Level 3 NVQ and Year 2 of the Level 3 Diploma in Engineering.

Apprentices are required to attend college for two days per week in Year 1 and one day per week in Year 2, with the remainder of their time spent in paid employment within the engineering sector.

As this is an apprenticeship programme, applicants must be employed in a suitable engineering role, or have secured a confirmed offer of employment, at the point of entry. Employers are required to support release to attend college as part of the apprenticeship framework. The college works closely with employers and apprentices to support progression throughout the programme.

The strong industrial link provided by the apprenticeship route is an excellent way of gaining meaningful work experience, while simultaneously achieving a recognised engineering qualification.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is a mixture of on-site work-based assessment, in-college coursework assessment and external examination.

Applicants must:

• Have 5 GCSEs at C or above. This must include a B in Mathematics and C in English.
• Have attained the minimum school leaving age of 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
• Be employed or be about to take up permanent paid employment with a Northern Ireland-based company and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (including day release/off- the-job training) with one employer
• Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 3 Apprenticeship Framework
• Achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (eg GCSE) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department for the Economy.  These are outlined above.
• Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department for the Economy.
• Attend an information session.

All relevant paperwork should be uploaded to the admissions portal prior to being considered for an apprenticeship, this should include your:

• Employer response form
• Vision verification form (Electrical Installation only)
• One form of official photographic ID
• Official proof of your National Insurance number eg Letter from HMRC

To access the forms and for further details visit our Apprenticeship page 

Many apprenticeship candidates go on to continued employment with their apprenticeship employer. Others move within industry, leveraging their new qualifications and industrial experience.

Successful candidates who wish to continue along the academic route are afforded access to the Foundation Degree or Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes, offered by Further Education Colleges across the UK. This may be used as a stand-a-lone qualification or used as access to a University Degree.